John Alfred DellaPia, age 72, passed away in his home on Monday, July 8, 2019. Born in Middletown, NY, he was the son of the late John and Eleanor DellaPia; beloved husband to Yong DellaPia for 42 years; loving father to Tina (Mike) Solava, John (Lisa) DellaPia and David DellaPia; cherished Papa to Madison, Michael & Matthew Solava and Johnny and Gena DellaPia; best friend to Dave Hansen. He was preceded in death by his brother, Armond DellaPia. John joined the United States Air Force directly out of high school at the age of 18. He initially served as an enlisted linguist (Vietnamese & Korean) and then served as an officer in the Office of Special Investigations. He retired as a Major after 27 years. He was awarded the USAF Air Medal 10 times for superior performance in airborne reconnaissance missions in combat airspace. He was also the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal four times.
He married Yong in 1976 and spent all of his life devoted to his wife, children & grandchildren. He worked alongside his father on Pinellas County beaches for Beach Masonizing after retiring from the Air Force. He became the owner/operator of Beach Masonizing in 1992 and enjoyed driving the tractor on the beach and meeting people while working. After the military, John lived a simple life. He enjoyed writing, painting, photography and martial arts. He could often be found in various Pinellas County parks waiting for the perfect shot. Funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks on Monday, July 15th at 3 pm.
Major DellaPia will be laid to rest will full military honors at Bay Pines National Cemetery on Friday July 19th, 2019 at 10:30am. All that knew him are encouraged to attend to show your support to his family and his 27 years of military service.
His photography can be found at:https://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/profile/1523364/
I was a friend of John’s in high school. I remember him as being a very good athlete. He loved to write and was very intelligent. God bless you as you remember a very fine man. You can be very proud of how he lived his life!
I served with John in the Air force in 1969 when we both were studying Korean in Monterrey, California. He was a good friend.
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. We were linguists together at OSAN, and he was a great Moo Du Kwan teacher. I am sorry I didn’t stay in touch with him and Yong. God bless and comfort you all on the loss of this great guy.
John and I were neighborhood and school friends throughout our junior High and High School years. We camped together, hunted together, and spent many hours playing chess together. I considered him my best friend in those days. Although we went in separate directions in The Air force, we both served in and survived Vietnam. I am proud to learn of his extensive accomplishments in the service. The Air Force aparently owes me a debt of Gratitude as I recruited him while I was home on leave. I am sorry to learn belatedly of his passing, however I am glad he lived a full life and That I my memories of his friendship.
To John’s family,
I had the honor of serving with John as a Korean linguist at OSAN. He also taught me much about MuDuKwan, and he helped me to get promoted to SSGT. He loved Korean martial arts, and he was the most devoted and toughest person I knew. My condolences on the passing of this great man who helped so many.